Backgammon – 3 Main Strategies

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In very simple terms, there are 3 general techniques employed. You need to be able to hop between tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious calamity due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as it much improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this case!